Case
One of your students tells you that he is gay

One of your students tells you that he is gay. The student is crying and wants to talk to you because he is having trouble "fitting in." What would be the right action(s)?

Posted on: 09/23/14 | Views: 1313
Solution #1
I would refer the student to the counselor.

Referring a student to a counselor is the most professional decision you can make, and I would do this. It is good for a student to know that your door is open, and if they need help they can come to you, but if you lead a student in any direction and the parents don't like it, then that can cause so much trouble for you. Plus a counselor is trained and educated on how to deal with emotional problem that the student is facing.

I think it is important to talk with the student. As the teacher, you have a responsibility to help the student feel comfortable. Immediately referring the student to the counselor can make the student feel uncomfortable and like they can't talk to their teacher about their problems.

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Solution #2
A councilor would probably be the best person to refer him to. Being gay is obviously not an issue but if he is being bullied because of it then the students who are bullying him could be a real problem. The best thing to do would be to reassure the student and comfort him in a way that is appropriate and then refer him to the councilor.
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Solution #3
Rock and a hard place! I would want to be supportive with this student but talking about this could be an issue. You need to seek help and fast. Without rebuffing the student, gently calm the student and walk him to someone more equipped to handle this type of problem. Counselors are there to help and have the training to deal with the emotional implications of this declaration.
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Solution #4
If could try to talk to the student about what he needs to say. Or, if you aren't comfortable with that situation, maybe refer him to a counselor or ask administration for help.
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Solution #5
While a student being gay or straight is none of the teacher's business, it is their business if there is bullying going on. That is the issue at hand, not how the child identifies himself. I would mention to the student in a scholarly manner that as a society people are becoming much more accepting, including the Pope of the Catholic church, and he should not be afraid, and if bullying is the reason he is upset it would need to be addressed. If the only issue was in self-discovery, a counselor may be the best referral.
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Solution #6
You can privately talk to the student and suggest speaking to the guidance counselor to collaborate how to help the student.
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Solution #7
I think that you need to encourage the student. He does not need a councilor, being gay is not a mental problem. It does not matter if his parents support it or not either. In fact, he might have told you before he told his parents, because he is frightened of the repercussions. I think it is best to encourage him to be strong and loving and to follow his heart.
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